Livestock blow dryer with insulated region

ABSTRACT

A blower system for livestock may include a housing. An air inlet may be located on the housing. One or more motors may be located in the housing. One or more fans may be coupled to at least one of the motors. The fans may be located in the housing. The fans may draw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an air outlet located on the housing. An insulated region may retain heat in the housing. The blower system may be portable. The blower system may allow a user to apply the air from the air outlet to livestock.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No.60/818,600 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING AIR TO LIVESTOCK”to Denison et al. filed on Jul. 5, 2006.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to blower systems and methods of use. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to the applying of air to livestockusing the blower systems.

2. Description of Related Art

The appearance of livestock is important for displaying livestock atevents such as shows, sales, and/or auctions. Livestock are often washedand dried before such events so that the livestock present the bestpossible appearance at an event. Presenting a good appearance at theevent increases the value of the livestock.

Blow drying livestock prior to these events may be beneficial. Blowdrying livestock may make livestock hair appear more voluminous andshiny. Blow dryers for humans are easy to use and maneuver but have longdrying times and require livestock to stay calm and still for longperiods. Currently available commercial models may be large, cumbersome,difficult to maneuver around the livestock, and not easily portable.Blow dryers for livestock also have to be durable as the livestockenvironment may be rugged and harsh.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a blower system applies air to livestock. Theblower system may include air inlets, air outlets, filter systems, fans,motors, and/or insulating regions. Air inlets, air outlets, filtersystems, fans, and/or motors may be at least partially positioned in ahousing. The blower system may be efficient at providing air (e.g.,heated air) to livestock to dry the hair of the livestock. The blowersystem may be portable so that a user may lift and carry the blowersystem and/or move the blower system around the livestock.

In some embodiments, air outlets may have a smaller or approximatelyequal cross-sectional area as the cross-sectional area of air inlets.Air inlets and/or air outlets may be coupled to one or more filtersystems. Filter systems may include filters and/or mufflers. Fans maydraw air into one or more air inlets and expel air from air outlets.Motors may actuate the fans.

In some embodiments, the motors and/or fans are mounted in a cartridgeassembly. The cartridge assembly may be removed from the housing withthe fans and motors mounted to the cartridge assembly.

In some embodiments, the flow of air in the blower system may turn atleast approximately 90 degrees prior to passing one of the fans. One ormore deflectors in the blower system may cause the air to be deflectedand turn at least approximately 90 degrees from the flow of air from theair inlet. Turning and/or deflecting air streams in a blower system mayincrease the velocity at which the air stream flows.

In some embodiments, a valve is coupled to the air outlet and the airinlet. The valve may recirculate at least some air back into the airinlet. The valve may selectively control the amount of air exiting theblower system and recirculating back into the blower system.

In some embodiments, a hollow plate is coupled to the air outlet. Thehollow plate may include a plurality of holes to allow air to exit theplate at a variety of angles and at pressures sufficient to create awhirlpool effect in a volume of water. In some embodiments, a nozzle iscoupled to the air outlet. The nozzle may have a wide, narrow slitopening for air to exit the nozzle.

In some embodiments, the blower system may be portable. The blowersystem may be lightweight. The blower system may include straps, legs,wheels, and/or carts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the followingdetailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrativeembodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of ablower system.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of ablower system with insulating material.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of ablower system with heaters.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a blower system with legs.

FIGS. 5A-B depict embodiments of blower systems with straps.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a blower system with an attachment.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a blower system with an externalelectrical supply box.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a cartridge assembly withmotors and fans coupled to the cartridge assembly.

FIG. 9 depicts an end view of an embodiment of a seating section of acartridge assembly.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a wiring diagram for an electricalsupply box.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a valve.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a plate.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a plate.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a nozzle.

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a nozzle.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Thedrawings may not be to scale. It should be understood that the drawingsand detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the inventionto the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In various embodiments, a blower system may apply air to livestock(e.g., cattle or horses). Air from the blower system applied tolivestock may accelerate the evaporation of water on livestock and drythe hair of the livestock. In certain embodiments, the air applied fromthe blower system to livestock fluffs and/or gives livestock anappearance of more hair (e.g., add volume to the hair of the livestock).Air applied from the blower system may add shine or sheen to livestockhair. Use of the blower system may improve livestock appearance duringdisplay, sale, and/or auction.

FIGS. 1-2 depict cross-sectional representations of embodiments ofblower system 100. In certain embodiments, blower system 100 includesone or more air inlets 110, air outlets 120, filter systems 130, motors140, and/or fans 150. In some embodiments, blower system 100 (includingair inlets 110, air outlets 120, filter systems 130, motors 140, and/orfans 150) is placed in housing 150. Air inlets 110 and/or air outlets120 may be formed as part of housing 105. Filter systems 130, motors140, and/or fans 150 maybe positioned in housing 105. Housing 105 may atleast partially contain the filter systems, motors, and/or fans of theblower system.

Housing 105 may include metals, plastics, or any combination thereof. Incertain embodiments, housing 105 is at least partially formed ofstainless steel. In certain embodiments, housing 105 is at leastpartially formed of aluminum or aluminum alloys. Aluminum or aluminumalloys may be used because they are lightweight, sturdy, and economical.Aluminum or aluminum alloys may also resonant less sound from housing105 than other materials.

In certain embodiments, air enters blower system 100 through air inlet110 and is expelled via air outlet 120. Air inlet 110 may includeopening 112. Opening 122 may have any cross-sectional shape desiredincluding, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, andtriangular. In certain embodiments, opening 112 has a semicircularcross-sectional shape.

Air outlet 120 may be a nozzle or other projection for directing orfocusing air towards livestock and/or out of housing 105. Air outlet 120may be conically shaped, frusto-conically shaped, circularly shaped, orany combination thereof. In certain embodiments, air outlet 120 is afrusto-conically shaped nozzle. Air outlet 120 has opening 122 to allowair to exit through the air outlet. In certain embodiments, air outlet120 is a cap (e.g., an end cap) that is removable and/or replaceable onan end of housing 105. Air outlet 120 may be secured to an end ofhousing 105 using fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). A gasket or othersealing device may be used to inhibit air leakage between air outlet 120and the end of housing 105.

In certain embodiments, a cross-sectional area of opening 122 is smallerthan or approximately the same as a cross-sectional area of opening 112.The air outlet opening 122 cross-sectional area being smaller than theair inlet opening 112 cross-sectional area may increase the pressure orvelocity of air expelled from the air outlet. Increasing the pressure orvelocity of air expelled from the blower system may reduce livestockdrying times and/or increase volume added to livestock hair. In certainembodiments, the cross-sectional area of opening 122 is at least 30%, atleast 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 90%, or at least 95% ofthe cross-sectional area of opening 112. The cross-sectional shapes ofopening 112 and/or opening 122 may be substantially circular,substantially oval, substantially rectangular, substantially oblong,substantially square, irregular, and/or any combination thereof In someembodiments, air inlet 110 and/or air outlet 120 include more than oneopening.

In certain embodiments, air inlet 110 is located distal or away fromends of housing 105. For example, air inlet 110 may be proximate acenter of housing 105. In certain embodiments, air inlet 110 ispositioned on an upper portion of housing 105 (e.g., a portion of thehousing that is away from the ground when the housing is placed on theground). Positioning the air inlet away from the ground and/or at aportion distal from the end of the housing may reduce the amount of dustor other particles entering blower system 100. Dust and other particlesmay foul blower system 100. For example, dust and other particles mayblock or clog motors, fans, filtering systems, air inlets, and/or airoutlets.

In certain embodiments, blower system 100 includes filter system 130.Filter system 130 may be coupled to air inlet 110 and/or air outlet 120.In certain embodiments, filter system 130 includes a filter and/or amuffler. Filter system 130 may inhibit passage of particles throughblower system 100. In certain embodiments, filter system 130 inhibitsparticles greater than a predetermined size from passing through theblower system. Filtering particles may inhibit or reduce the potentialfor damage to the blower system. Particles may foul and/or damage theblower system. In certain embodiments, filter system 130 includesfiberglass, paper, plastics, metals such as stainless steel or aluminum,and/or other materials. In some embodiments, filter system 130 includesa fine mesh material. In some embodiments, filter system includesmultilayer filters. In one embodiment, filter system 130 includes a HighEfficiency Particulate Air filter (a “HEPA filter”).

In certain embodiments, filter system 130 includes one or more mufflers.The mufflers may reduce or inhibit sound from exiting the blower systemand/or reduce the sound of operating the blower system. In certainembodiments, sound waves may be dampened, absorbed, and/or destroyed bythe muffler. In certain embodiments, the muffler includes baffles thatreduce sound emitted from the blower system. In some embodiments, filtersystem 130 may be designed so that opposite moving sound waves arelikely to collide and cancel each other out. For example, a resonatingchamber may be used in filter system 130.

In certain embodiments, blower system 100 includes fans 150. Fans 150are positioned in housing 105. During operation of blower system 100,air may be drawn in through air inlet 110 and expelled through airoutlet 120. Fans 150 may produce or assist in producing a flow of airthrough blower system 100. Fans 150 may increase the velocity of airpassing through the fan. Motors 140 may be coupled to fans 150 toactuate the fans. Fans 150 may compress or pressurize air as it passesthrough the fans. Compressing the air may increase the temperature ofthe air passing through the fan. In certain embodiments, operation ofthe fans and the motors may produce heat. This produced heat may heatthe air inside housing 105.

In some embodiments, fans 150 may operate in series (a volume of airpasses through the fans sequentially) and/or in parallel (portions ofthe volume of air passes through two or more fans substantiallysimultaneously). Fans 150 may have any shape or size. Fans 150 may havea plurality of blades that cause flow of air.

Fans 150 may be actuated by motors 140. In certain embodiments, two ormore motors 140 are used to actuate fans 150 (e.g., one motor may becoupled to each fan). Motors 140 may be electrically connected in seriesand/or in parallel. In certain embodiments, motors 140 are thru-flowdischarge motors. For example, motors 140 may be Ametek® Lamb Electric(Kent, Ohio) model no. 115923 motors.

In certain embodiments, motor 140 and fan 150 are coupled so that themotor and fan are removable as a single unit (e.g., a single blowerunit), as depicted in FIGS. 1-3. The motor and fan may be removed orreplaced as the single blower unit from housing 105. In someembodiments, the motor and the fan are coupled so that the motor and thefan are uncoupled and removed individually.

In certain embodiments, fans 150 and motors 140 are coupled to (e.g.,mounted in) cartridge assembly 155. FIG. 8 depicts a side view of anembodiment of cartridge assembly 155 with motors 140 and fans 150coupled to the cartridge assembly. Fans 150 and motors 140 may becoupled to cartridge assembly 155 as single units. Cartridge assembly155 may be designed to couple to any number of single units of fans 150and motors 140. In one embodiment, two single units of fans 150 andmotors 140 are coupled to cartridge assembly 155 (e.g., two fans withtwo motors are coupled in the cartridge assembly). In some embodiments,fans 150 and motors 140 are coupled to cartridge assembly separately.

Cartridge assembly 155 may have one or more seating sections 156 toallow fans 150 and motors 140 to be seated in the cartridge assembly.Bars 155A or other connectors may couple together seating sections 156of cartridge assembly 155. In certain embodiments, bars 155A are weldedor brazed to seating sections 156 to couple together the seatingsections.

FIG. 9 depicts an end view of an embodiment of seating section 156.Seating section 156 may have opening 157. Opening 157 may be sized sothat motor 140 passes through the opening and fan 150 seats against wall158 of seating section 156 surrounding the opening. Fan 150 and motor140 may be coupled to (e.g., mounted to) seating section 156 ofcartridge assembly 155 by fastening the fan and the motor to the seatingsection. For example, screws or other fasteners may mount the fan andthe motor to the cartridge assembly using openings 159, depicted in FIG.9. Cartridge assembly 155 may have other openings and or passages forallowing wiring associated with fans 150 and motors 140 to pass throughor out of the cartridge assembly.

Fan 150 and/or motor 140 may seat against the walls of cartridgeassembly 155 so that little or no air leaks around the fan and themotor. Inhibiting air leaks around the fan and the motor inhibits airrecirculation in cartridge assembly 155. Air recirculation in cartridgeassembly 155 may cause a reduction in velocity or power of air exitingthe blower system.

Cartridge assembly 155, with motors 140 and fans 150 coupled to thecartridge assembly, may be mounted in housing 105, as shown in FIGS.1-3. In certain embodiments, cartridge assembly 155 is placed in housing105 and secured in the housing using screws or other fasteners. Forexample, cartridge assembly 155 may slide into housing 105 through anopen end of the housing. Cartridge assembly 155 may be and fastened tothe housing using screws coupled to the walls of the housing. In certainembodiments, deflector 190 and/or air outlet 120 are removable end capsplaced on housing 105. Deflector 190 and/or air outlet 120 may beremoved to allow cartridge assembly 155 to be inserted and/or removedfrom housing 105.

In certain embodiments, a sealing material is used to create a sealbetween the outer walls of cartridge assembly 155 and the inside wallsof housing 105. In certain embodiments, a gasket or o-ring creates aseal between the cartridge assembly and the housing. The gasket may be,for example, a silicone gasket. In some embodiments, a silicone bead ora bead of another suitable material is placed between the outer walls ofcartridge assembly 155 and the inside walls of housing 105 to create aseal. The seal between the outer walls of cartridge assembly 155 and theinside walls of housing 105 inhibits air recirculation inside thehousing. Air recirculation inside housing 105 may cause a reduction invelocity or power of air exiting the blower system.

The seal may be broken to remove cartridge assembly 155 from housing105. Upon re-insertion of the cartridge assembly or insertion of a newcartridge assembly, a new seal may be made between the newly insertedcartridge assembly and housing 105.

Mounting motors 140 and fans 150 in housing 105 using cartridge assembly155 allows simple removal and/or replacement of the motors and the fans.For example, cartridge assembly 155 may be removed from housing 105 anda new cartridge assembly placed in the housing with one or more newmotors and/or fans coupled to the new cartridge assembly. As anotherexample, motors and/or fans on the removed cartridge assembly 155 may bereplaced with new motors and/or fans and the cartridge assembly may beplaced back in the housing.

Motors and/or fans may be more susceptible to failure (e.g., burningout) than other components of the blower system. Being able to remove,repair, and/or replace the motors and/or fans using the cartridgeassembly increases the operational life of the blower system. Inaddition, the cartridge assembly may decrease downtime for repair ormaintenance of the blower system. For example, the cartridge assemblyallows a user of the blower system to replace motors and/or fans in thefield or at a work location instead of having to transport the blowersystem to a workshop, distributor, or manufacturer for repair.

In some embodiments, blower system 100 includes insulated region 180, asdepicted in FIG. 2. Insulated region 180 may include materials thatthermally insulate at least a portion of housing 105 and/or air outlet120 to inhibit heat loss from the housing and/or the air outlet.Insulated region 180 may at least partially retain heat within theinsulated region and/or housing 105. Heat retained by in insulatedregion 180 may at least partially transfer to air in or proximate theinsulated region. In some embodiments, insulated region 180 includesmaterials that act as a muffler and reduce sound emitted from the blowersystem. In certain embodiments, insulated region 180 includes portionsof housing 105 surrounding fans 150 and/or motors 140.

In certain embodiments, insulated region 180 includes coating 185.Coating 185 may be placed on an inside wall of housing 105 and/or airoutlet 120. Coating 185 may retain heat within the housing and/or theair outlet. Coating 185 may be formed of an insulating material. Forexample, coating 185 may include natural materials, synthetic materials,or combinations thereof. Coating 185 may include petrochemical productsor byproducts. Coating 185 may include plastic and/or metal. Coating 185may include fibers such as wool, cellulose, fiberglass, and/or syntheticfibers (such as plastic fibers or recycled plastic fibers). In certainembodiments, coating 185 includes ceramic material. Coating 185 mayretain heat to facilitate heat transfer to air proximate the insulatingmaterial.

In certain embodiments, insulated region 180 reduces or eliminates theneed for a heater within the blower system. Heat retained by insulatedregion 180 may sufficiently heat air proximate the insulated region sothat additional heat (e.g., heat from a heater) is not necessary. Incertain embodiments, insulated region 180 allows air in the blowersystem to increase in temperature by about 15° F. to about 85° F. aboveambient temperature (e.g., the temperature of air entering the blowersystem). In some embodiments, insulated region 180 allows air toincrease in temperature by at least about 25° F. In some embodiments,insulated region 180 allows air in the blower system to increase intemperature by about 30° F. to about 50° F. above ambient temperature.For example, insulated region 180 may allow air entering the blowersystem at 70° F. to be heated to at least 115° F. or, in someembodiments, to at least 155° F., without using heaters. Increasing thetemperature of air exiting the blower system may reduce drying times forlivestock.

In some embodiments, blower system 100 includes one or more heaters 170.FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment ofblower system 100 with heaters 170. Heaters 170 may increase thetemperature of air passing through blower system 100. In someembodiments, heaters 170 are used to increase the temperature of air totemperatures above a temperature increase due to heat from motors 140and/or fans 150. Heaters 170 may be any device capable of transferringheat to surrounding air, such as, but not limited to, conventional heatexchangers or heating coils.

In some embodiments, the direction of flow of air in housing 105 turnswithin the housing. In certain embodiments, the direction of flow of airfrom the air inlet may turn at least about 90 degrees, at least about180 degrees, or at least about 270 degrees prior to passing through fans150. Turning and/or deflecting the air may increase the velocity withwhich the flow of air travels through housing 105. Increasing thevelocity of air in housing 105 may increase the velocity and/or power ofair output from air outlet 120.

In certain embodiments, housing 105 includes deflector 190. At least aportion of deflector 190 may be curved, angular, or planar. FIG. 1depicts an embodiment of a planar deflector 190. FIGS. 2 and 3 depictembodiments with curved deflectors 190. Deflector 190 may be positionedat or proximate an end of housing 105. In certain embodiments, deflector190 is a cap (e.g., an end cap) coupled to an end of housing 105.Deflector 190 may be secured to an end of housing 105 using screws orother fasteners. A gasket or other sealing device may be used to inhibitair leakage between deflector 190 and the end of housing 105. In someembodiments, deflector 190 is integrated in the housing and/or a portionof the housing (e.g., the deflector is formed or manufactured as a partof the housing).

As an air stream enters the blower system via air inlet 110, at least aportion of the air contacts deflector 190. Deflector 190 may deflect theflow of air towards a front end of housing 105 (e.g., towards air outlet120). In some embodiments, deflector 190 redirects the flow of air at anangle of at least approximately 90 degrees, at least approximately 180degrees, or at least approximately 270 degrees from the direction of theflow of air from the air inlet. For example, the air stream entering thehousing may at least partially follows a path similar to a “U” or “L” inthe housing between the air inlet and the air outlet.

In some embodiments, blower system 100 may be portable. Blower system100 may be made of lightweight materials. Blower system 100 may have aweight that allows a user to lift and/or carry the blower system. Insome embodiments, legs and/or wheels may be coupled to the housing ofthe blower system. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of blower system 100with legs 200 coupled to the housing 105. In certain embodiments, legs200 are wheels to allow rolling of the blower system. Legs 200 may bepositioned proximate a center of housing 105 or at an end of thehousing. In certain embodiments, housing 105 includes handle 210. Handle210 may allow a user to lift and/or carry housing 105. Handle 210 may beplaced on housing 105 so that the housing is balanced when the userlifts and/or carries the housing using the handle.

In certain embodiments, blower system 100 may include a cart. Housing105 may be positioned in or on the cart. The cart may include two ormore wheels or four or more wheels to facilitate transport of the blowersystem. The cart may be at least partially formed of metal, plastic, ora combination thereof. The cart may include lightweight materials.

In some embodiments, straps 215 may be coupled to housing 105, asdepicted in FIG. 5A. Straps 215 may be flexible or inflexible. Straps215 may be formed of plastic, metal, fabric, and/or a variety of othermaterials. In certain embodiments, straps 215 are formed of the samematerial as at least a portion of the housing. In some embodiments,straps 215 are detachable from the housing. A user may be able to liftand/or carry housing 105 using straps 215. Straps 215 may be positionedon housing 105 so that the user may carry the housing like a backpack,as depicted in FIG. 5B. Straps 215 may be adjustable to allow users ofvarying sizes to carry housing 105. During use, the user may carry thehousing on his/her back to facilitate movement in and around livestockwhile drying the livestock.

In certain embodiments, blower system 100 includes attachments that maybe coupled to air outlet 120. Attachments include, but are not limitedto, a valve, a hose, a nozzle, a diffuser, an ionizer, or a brush. Inone embodiment, an ionizer is coupled to air outlet 120 to add shine tolivestock hair. FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of blower system 100 withhose 220 and nozzle 230 coupled to air outlet 120.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict an embodiment of nozzle 230. Nozzle 230 may becoupled to hose 220 (depicted in FIG. 6) or attached directly to airoutlet 120 (depicted in FIG. 6). As depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, nozzle230 includes inlet opening 232 and exit opening 234. Nozzle 230 may bemade from molded plastic or other lightweight, strong materials thatminimize weight for the operator and inhibit injury to animals orlivestock from use of the nozzle. Inlet opening 232 is shaped and/orsized to couple to hose 220 and/or air outlet 120 (depicted in FIG. 6).In certain embodiments, inlet opening 232 fits inside the opening ofhose 220 and/or air outlet 120. O-ring 236 provides an air-tight sealaround inlet opening 232 so that air does not leak between the inletopening and the opening of hose 220 or air outlet 120. Stop 238 may beplaced on nozzle 230 to set an insertion length for the nozzle into hose220 or air outlet 120.

Exit opening 234 on nozzle 230 may have a shape and/or size thatprovides certain properties for treating livestock and/or other animals.For example, nozzle 230 may be shaped and/or sized to wipe off water orother liquids from the livestock's body as the moved along the surfaceof the livestock (e.g., along the fur of the livestock). The livestock'sbody may be wiped by the combination of the physical wiping using nozzle230 (and exit opening 234) and the flow of air (e.g., warm or hot air)through the nozzle. The flow of air (e.g., warm air) through nozzle 230may also provide an air massage (e.g., a warm air massage) to the animalas the nozzle is moved along the livestock's body surface.

In certain embodiments, exit opening 234 on nozzle 230 is a wide, narrowslit opening, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. In one embodiment, exitopening 234 is a ⅜″ height opening with a width of about 3.5″ to about5″. The width of exit opening 234 provides a larger grooming surface fortreating the livestock. Exit opening 234 with a shape as depicted inFIGS. 14 and 15 may be easier to control while grooming the livestockthan a conical shaped exit opening. In some embodiments, nozzle 230 is abent or angled nozzle. The bend or angle in nozzle 230 may make thenozzle more ergonomic (easier to use and control) for the operator orgroomer of the livestock.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict an embodiment of plate 290 that may be attachedto a blower system. Plate 290 may be a hollow plate. In certainembodiments, plate 290 is made of aluminum or other lightweightmaterial. In some embodiments, plate 290 is coated with a non-corrosivematerial such as a spray-on coating (e.g., sprayed on polyurethane suchas those used in truck bed liners). Opening 292 may be used to coupleplate 290 to hose 220 (depicted in FIG. 6) and/or air outlet 120(depicted in FIG. 6). Opening 292 allows air to enter into plate 290.Air exits plate 290 through exit holes 294. Plate 290 may include aplurality of holes 294. High pressure air introduced into plate 290 fromthe blower system exits through holes 294. Air exiting holes 294 may beat a high velocity and high pressure. Holes 294 may direct air at avariety of angles so that air escapes plate 290 at various angles.

In certain embodiments, plate 290 is placed in a volume of water (e.g.,a tub or pool filled with water). Plate 290 may be placed at or near thebottom of the volume of water. High velocity air exiting plate 290 maycreate a whirlpool effect in the volume of water. The whirlpool of watermay be used for hydrotherapy treatment of livestock (e.g., horses orcattle). For example, the whirlpool of water may aid in healing and/ortreating cattle or horse leg injuries such as muscles soreness, muscletears, tendonitis, and bone chips. The water may be hot, warm, and/orcold water depending on a desired use of the water (e.g., cold water maybe used to reduce soreness in livestock muscles and hot or warm watermay be used for relaxing livestock). In some embodiments, the blowersystem provides heated air through plate 290. The heated air may assistin heating the volume of water and/or maintaining the water temperatureat warm or hot temperatures for longer periods of time.

In some embodiments, a valve is coupled to air outlet 120, depicted inFIG. 6. The valve may be used to control and/or direct the flow of airexiting air outlet 120. FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of valve 300 thatmay be coupled to air outlet 120 (depicted in FIGS. 1-4, and 6). Valve300 may be used to control the flow of air (e.g., the flow rate of airthrough the valve) and/or redirect flow back into the blower system.Valve 300 is made of materials that can withstand high air temperaturessuch as aluminum or high temperature plastics. Air inlet 302 is coupledto air outlet 120 of blower system 100 (depicted in FIGS. 1-4, and 6).Air outlet 304 provides an exit for air from valve 300. Air outlet 304may coupled to attachments described herein (e.g., plate 290 depicted inFIGS. 12 and 13). Attachments include, but are not limited to, a valve,a hose, a nozzle, a diffuser, an ionizer, or a brush.

In certain embodiments, valve 300 includes bypass section 304. Bypasssection 306 is coupled to air inlet 110 of blower system 100 (depictedin FIGS. 1-4). Air entering valve 300 exits the valve through either airoutlet 304 or bypass section 306. The amount of air exiting valve 300through air outlet 304 and bypass section 306 is controlled by handle308. Air exiting valve 300 may be controlled so that a selected amountof air (between 0% and 100%) exits through air outlet 304 and thebalance of the air exits through bypass section 306. Thus, air exitingvalve 300 is controlled between fully open and fully closed flow forboth air outlet 304 and bypass section 306.

In certain embodiments, handle 308 is operated to divert all or some ofthe air to bypass section 306 and back into the blower system (e.g.,back into air inlet 110, depicted in FIGS. 1-4). Diverting air back intothe blower system instead of through air outlet 304 recirculates airinto the blower system. Recirculating air into the blower system heatsthe air faster and/or to higher temperatures above ambient because airis continually heated in the system (e.g., air entering the blowersystem includes heated air so that heat is added to the inlet andfurther heating in the blower system adds more heat to the air). Heatingthe air faster and/or to higher temperatures above ambient may be usefulin colder climates where the ambient air temperature is low. Higher airtemperatures may be more soothing and/or more comfortable for thelivestock.

After the air has been heated to a desired temperature by recirculatingthe air, handle 308 may be operated to allow air (or more air) to exitthrough air outlet 304. For example, after the air is heated to thedesired temperature, air for heating or grooming livestock may beprovided through air outlet 304. In some embodiments, at least some airis continually recirculated to maintain desired air temperatures of airexiting air outlet 304 (e.g., exiting the blower system).

In some embodiments, the amount of air exiting air outlet 304 iscontrolled to provide a selected amount of air output from the blowersystem. For example, the amount of air exiting air outlet 304 may becontrolled to limit the pressure of air exiting the system so thatlivestock or animals are not spooked or bothered. In certainembodiments, air outlet 304 is coupled to plate 290 (depicted in FIGS.12 and 13). The amount of air exiting air outlet 304 may be controlledto control the whirlpool effect created by plate 290. The whirlpooleffect may need to be limited so that the livestock or animal is notspooked or bothered by the whirlpool of water (e.g., the amount ofturbulation in the whirlpool effect is not so large as to frighten thelivestock or animal).

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of blower system 100 with electrical supplybox 240. Electrical supply box 240 may be located externally on housing105. Locating electrical supply box 240 externally may protect and/orinsulate the supply box from heat generated in housing 105. In someembodiments, electrical supply box 240 is vibrationally isolated fromhousing 105. For example, a damper or cushion may vibrationally isolateelectrical supply box 240 from housing 105. Vibrationally isolatingelectrical supply box 240 may reduce or inhibit vibrations from housing105 being transferred to components inside the electrical supply box.

Electrical supply box 240 may include relays, switches, power supplies,rechargeable batteries, and/or external outlets 250 for connecting otherdevices to the supply box. Motors 140, depicted in FIGS. 1-3, may becoupled to electrical supply box 240 using, for example, wires.Electrical supply box 240 may provide power to the motors. In someembodiments, wires from the motors are removably coupled to wires fromelectrical supply box 240 (e.g., the wires may be coupled using wirenuts). Removably coupling the wires allows the wires to be uncoupled forremoving the motors and/or the fans from the blower system.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a wiring diagram for electrical supplybox 240. Motors 140 are coupled to relay 260. Relay 260 is coupled topower source 270 and switch 280 to provide controllable power to motors140. Power source 270 may be an AC or other suitable power source foroperating motors 140. Relay 260 may be a solid state relay or otherrelay capable of operating at high powers required for motors 140. Relay260 operates to turn on/off power to motors 140. Switch 280 is coupledto relay 260 to operate (e.g., open and close) the relay and turn on/offpower to motors 140. Switch 280 may be, for example, a mechanical switchsuch as a toggle switch.

In certain embodiments, motors 140, relay 260, power source 270, andswitch 280 are coupled so that power to the motors goes through therelay and not through the switch. Routing power through relay 260shields switch 280 from the high power associated with operating motors140. A solid state relay may be more reliable than a mechanical relay orswitch at the powers required to operate motors 140. Thus, using relay260 to turn on/off power to motors 140 may increase the lifetime ofblower system 100.

It is to be understood the invention is not limited to particularsystems described which may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an attachment” includes acombination of two or more attachments and reference to “a material”includes mixtures of materials.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements andmaterials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein,parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims.

1-87. (canceled)
 88. A blower system for livestock, comprising: ahousing; an air inlet located on the housing; one or more motors locatedin the housing; one or more fans coupled to at least one of the motors,the fans being located in the housing, and the fans being configured todraw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an airoutlet located on the housing; and an insulated region configured toretain heat in the housing; wherein the blower system is configured tobe portable; and wherein the blower system is further configured toallow a user to apply the air from the air outlet to livestock.
 89. Theblower system of claim 88, wherein the insulated region comprises theair outlet.
 90. The blower system of claim 88, wherein the insulatedregion comprises the air outlet and at least one of the fans.
 91. Theblower system of claim 88, wherein the insulated region comprises theair outlet and at least one of the motors.
 92. The blower system ofclaim 88, wherein the insulated region comprises the air outlet, atleast one of the fans, and at least one of the motors.
 93. The blowersystem of claim 88, wherein the insulated region comprises an insulatedmaterial.
 94. The blower system of claim 88, wherein the insulatedregion comprises ceramic.
 95. The blower system of claim 88, wherein theinsulated region comprises a coating configured to retain heat withinthe dryer.
 96. The blower system of claim 88, wherein the blower systemis configured to add volume to livestock hair during use.
 97. The blowersystem of claim 88, further comprising a filter system coupled to theair inlet.
 98. The blower system of claim 88, wherein the air is heatedinside the housing during use.
 99. The blower system of claim 88,wherein the air is pressurized inside the housing during use.
 100. Theblower system of claim 88, wherein the blower system is configured suchthat a user can lift the blower system.
 101. The blower system of claim88, further comprising straps coupled to the housing, wherein a user cancarry the housing with the straps, during use.
 102. The blower system ofclaim 88, further comprising wheels positioned on the housing.
 103. Theblower system of claim 88, further comprising a cart.
 104. The blowersystem of claim 103, wherein the cart is configured to receive thehousing.
 105. The blower system of claim 103, wherein the cart comprisestwo or more wheels.
 106. The blower system of claim 103, wherein thecart comprises four or more wheels.
 107. The blower system of claim 88,wherein the housing comprises aluminum. 108-154. (canceled)